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2/22/2023

​It's Tax Season! What You Need to Know

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Understanding Canadian Federal and Provincial Taxes 
What are Taxes?
Canada has three levels of government (federal, provincial, and municipal) that provide services and programs for its citizens. In order to fund these services the governments levy income taxes, sales taxes, property taxes, and corporate taxes. In order to make sound financial decisions one must consider the tax implications that may arise (tax benefits or tax consequences). 
  • Sales taxes are the additional amount paid when purchasing goods and services. In Ontario, the HST tax that totals 13% of which 5% goes towards the federal government and 8% to the province.
  • Income taxes is the amount levied by the government on your income (employment, investment, retirement).
 
Who is required to pay income taxes in Canada? 
​
All students residing in Canada, including international students, are obliged to file their taxes. And while this might seem like a messy task to partake in—especially with exams around the corner, doing so will help you get refunds on several expenses you’ve made throughout the year.

Tax Planning
 
Documents you will need to file your taxes:
Here is a list of the most common documents students might require to file their taxes. However, your accountant or tax professional may require other documentation depending on your situation.
  • T2022 The T2202, also known as the Tuition and Enrolment Certificate and Summary form, is a document that summarizes all amounts paid toward tuition and fees in a calendar year.
Where to locate your T2202  A T2202 slip will be available on your Sault College Student Portal account under “Records” -> Financial Records -> Income Tax (T2202) in February.  
  • T4 The T4 slip, also known as the Statement of Remuneration Paid, is a document that summarizes all of the money paid by an employer to an employee during a calendar year.
Where to locate your T4: A T4 will be provided to you by your employer (or your former employer) either electronically or by mail. 
  • T4E The T4E, also known as the Statement of Employment Insurance and Other Benefits, is a document that summarizes the gross amount of benefits paid to an individual, the income tax deducted from benefits received, and the amount paid towards an overpayment (if applicable) during a calendar year. 
Where to locate your T4E: The T4E is available as of February 1st through My Service Canada Account (MSCA). The T4E will be mailed to you if you do not have an MSCA account.
  • T4A The T4A is a document that summarizes the amounts received from other income categories that do not appear on a T4 slip (ex., self-employment income, bursaries, scholarships, donor awards, etc.).
Where to locate your T4A: If you received a bursary or a scholarship, a T4A slip will be available on your Sault College Student Portal account under “Records” -> Financial Records -> Income Tax (T4A) in February. If you received self-employment income, please contact your tax advisor in order to complete a T4A slip.
  • T5 The T5, also known as the Statement of Investment Income form, is a document that reports all interest and investment income earned during a calendar year.
Where to locate your T5: A T5 slip will be provided by the financial institution that manages your investment or savings account either electronically or by mail.
Employers and institutions have until February 28th to release your tax documents. If you have not received your documents before March 1st, please contact your employer and/or institution for guidance. 
 
Key dates for filing 2022 income taxes 

  • February 20, 2023 - Earliest day to file your income taxes.
  • April 30, 2023 - Deadline to file your income taxes.
  • June 15, 2023 - Deadline to file your taxes if you (or your spouse/common-law partner) are self-employed.

Where can you file your taxes?  
You can file your taxes through a Tax Preparation Specialist or online through tax filing software. If you are new to filing your taxes, it is recommended that you go through a Tax Preparation Specialist.
You can check if there is a free tax clinic available in your area by checking the CRA website: Find a tax clinic in your area (cra-arc.gc.ca)

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2/7/2023

February 07th, 2023

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​​SCSU, FOOD AND YOU
 
Have you heard about the Food Bank operated by the SCSU?
 
If you are new, you should visit the food bank which is open on Wednesdays and Fridays, from 10am until 2pm, so that you can make it on either of the days. The food bank carries non-perishable food items, fresh produce, toiletries and gently used clothing items sometimes.
 
The Food Bank is located close to the J wing, so when you’re coming to school on the Food Bank days, don’t forget to keep a grocery bag handy.
 
The Sault College Students’ Union also operates a breakfast program in the college, on Thursdays. The program runs from 8am to 10am and serves a variety of healthy breakfast choices.
 
One of the necessities of life is food and breakfast they say, is the most important meal of the day. We understand that when there is food in your tummy, then you are on the right track for a productive day.
 
These initiatives are free for all students, and you should absolutely take advantage of them. Stay healthy. Eat right and live well.
 
We care about you! 

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12/16/2022

Importance of networking

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​When you interact with others to exchange information and develop contacts, which might be professional or social, that’s networking!
 
Have you ever heard the saying that no man is an island on his own? This simply means that no one is self-sufficient, and everyone relies on others. A man once traveled in the same airline with a top business owner who was coincidentally a Board of Director in one of the organizations that he had applied for a job. The man who was just seated by him decided to start a conversation, one thing led to another, he sold his skills and expertise right on that plane and he was given a chance at the job.
 
Networking is mutually beneficial. Everyone has something to offer, no matter how little. Sometimes, you might not know who might be of help to you in your academics and career.
 
Never look down on your fellow classmates because you really do not know what positions they might be occupying tomorrow and how you can help one another.
Apart from providing strong professional ties, networking helps in your career and profile advancement, leads to an exchange of new ideas and even gives you higher confidence.
 
There are so many ways you can network with others, one of the most popular being social media. As a student, how do you utilize your social media pages, especially LinkedIn? There are professionals In your field of study, you can connect with them for mentorship and career advice and who knows, you might just be landing yourself a job through those relationships once you are done with school. Comment on people’s posts and start intellectual conversations with them.
 
Go out! It is very important to attend gatherings where you can meet people. Even if you are shy, you can stick around with the people you already know and who know the people you are looking to meet. The introductions will be made easier that way.
 
Remember that networking is not always about asking for a job or favor. It is all about building relationships. They might come in handy someday!

-Yetundeibukunoluwa Sotimirin

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12/6/2022

welcome to the soo!

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​The beauty of serenity
The incredible waterscapes
A perfect mix of urban and natural amenities!
 
WELCOME TO SAULT STE MARIE!
 
Have you ever felt like getting away, into a space where you can get away from traffic congestions and simply inhale the beauty and purity of nature, Sault Ste. Marie offers all that and more?
 
Sault Ste. Marie, located on St. Mary’s River and near three great lakes is home to about 73,000 people. It is the third largest city in Northern Ontario.
 
Apart from the golden sandy beaches and deep forests that create room for so many fun activities, Sault Ste. Marie has so many sites that you can visit to have a good time alone or with family and friends.
 
The Bellevue Park is the main park that the city has. This park has a picnic shelter and can also serve as a perfect wedding location, with its outdoor greenspace and great lake views. Belleview Park is located at 128, Sackville Road, Sault Ste. Marie.
 
Have you watched those cowboy country movies and just wish that you could enjoy a time out in one of such locations? Then you will love it at Thompson’s Farms, where strawberries, pumpkins and more interesting cider and winery are grown and produced.
 
Lovers of Arts are not left out in the fun. The Art Gallery of Algoma is a space where you can unleash your creativity through painting, crafts and more.
 
Seen the first beaver float plane produced yet? The Canadian Bush plane Heritage is also another destination to visit in the Soo. This interactive museum features two dozen planes and gives you a firefighting adventure in 3D.
 
Talking about 3D, you can also visit the Galaxy cinemas to watch a variety of movies that you love.
 
One of the many picture-perfect sites to visit in the Soo is the Boardwalk. If you ever feel like strolling by the Lake, then you really want to be here.
 
The Sault Ste. Marie Canal National Historic Site gives you a view of tour boats from the United States while you enjoy the sounds of the birds chirping.
 
For a great night-life experience, the Soo has Club 365, Top Hat Billiards and more fun places to get the groove on.
 
Whether you want to experience fun in the winter or a beautiful summertime, there is always something to do in Sault Ste. Marie.

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12/6/2022

SCSU Health plan

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​SCSU Health & Dental Plan
 
 
Lisa is a student who just enrolled in Sault College. On her arrival in Sault Ste. Marie, Lisa fell ill and decided to visit a walk-in clinic where she had to pay for her consultation session with the doctor. The doctor also prescribed some medications to her. At the end of her visit to the clinic, Lisa had spent about $200 dollars. Did she have to spend all that?
 
The answer is NO!
 
Why spend so much when SCSU has got you covered. We have a Health & Dental Plan designed to meet your needs with the student care program. Guess what! As a student, you are automatically enrolled to enjoy the student care insurance benefits.
 
For health-related issues, you can save up to 80% annually on prescription drugs with the student care plan. That’s right!
 
Do you also know that if you need to relieve pains in your joints and muscles, you can enjoy $15 off every visit to a chiropractor? This also applies to your visits to the podiatrists and physiotherapists.
 
Your Dental needs are also covered with $100 dollars every 24 months for your Eyeglasses and Contact Lenses. Because we know how important Eye Exams are, we also have a cover of $50 per 2 policy years and $150 every 24 months for your Laser Eye Surgeries.
 
Life is short! Smile when you still have teeth. Lol. This is why we have an annual maximum coverage of $500 per policy year for your dental needs. This includes Preventive Services for cleanings and extractions, Basic Services for fillings, oral surgery, x-rays, scaling and more.
 
We also have a travel health coverage of 120 days per trip and $5,000,000 per lifetime for medical incidents, $3,000 for trip cancelation and $7,500 for trip interruptions.
 
So many numbers right! Now one question that might be running through your mind is: “How exactly can I get these claims?”.
 
HOW TO SUBMIT CLAIMS
 
All health claims must be received by Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada no later than 90 days after the end of the policy year in which the claims were incurred or 90 days after the end of your coverage, whichever is sooner.
 
See link to form here:
 
 
https://studentcare.ca/RTEContent/Document/EN/Claim_Forms/SaultCollegeSCSUhealth.pdf
 
WHO IS COVERED?
 
Have you completed your studies at your academic institution?
If no, then you are eligible.
 
You must be listed in these categories:
  • Full-time and part-time students
  • International Students
  • Students auditing a course
  • Co-op students on work term in September or for a full year
  • “AMS Med/Dent” line item must be part of your tuition statement
Go check your Student Fee Account online or your academic institution’s detailed breakdown. 
In addition to your Plan coverage, you have access to other services, including:
  • Online Services: an online coverage manager to make changes to your coverage and to enrol your spouse and/or dependent children during the Change-of-Coverage Period, a mobile app to submit claims, and access to the insurer’s website to check your claims’ status online.
  • Studentcare Networks: Networks of over 3,000 health-care practitioners across Canada who have reduced the cost of their services for Plan members.
 
TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THESE BENEFITS TODAY! 

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12/1/2022

brrrr... the cold weather is here

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Gloves ready 
Coats dancing  
Boots Cheering 
Winter is here! Are you ready? 
Today, we are bringing you some tips on how to stay warm in the winter season.  
One of the concerns that students have is where and how to get the right winter kits. 
One thing to note is, there is always something for everyone in Sault Ste. Marie.  
 
While there are so many stores that you could visit in Sault Ste. Marie to shop for brand new winter coats, boots and more at the station mall and some other retail stores around the city, you might find that the price of these items might range from $100 dollars and above for the coats and boots which is perfect if you can afford it. 

If you do not mind purchasing thrift items, then you can also opt to shop at Value village on Great Northern Road for affordable winter jackets and boots ranging from $25-$50. At Value village, you will also find gloves, head warmers, sweaters and more.
Thrift stores have a mix of good brands and many of them are in great shape.
 
 
When Shoppers hear Walmart, they think groceries. But do you know that you can buy a winter coat for under $100 at Walmart stores? That’s right.  
 
Winners also has a selection of designer brands at relatively good prices. 
 
For online shoppers, Amazon is a good option to shop for winter kits. There, you will find options of winter kits for different price ranges. Just do a proper quality check, ensure that you select the right sizes, and you will be good to go.  
 
Remember that your winter jackets and boots should be waterproof and watch out for the thickness of your winter coats. Your head warmers should be double-layered and triple, if possible. Lol.  
 
Dress in layers and wear a hat, gloves and scarf. Clothes made from wool, cotton or fleecy fabrics are warmest. When you're indoors, wear warm socks and slippers to keep your feet cosy. Having hot beverage also helps to keep you warm. If you have mentholated balms, they will also come in handy this season. Don’t forget to stay moisturized and hydrated always. 

Here is wishing you all the best this season has to offer.  

With love from the SCSU. 
 

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    This blog will be compiled of pieces written by a variety of folks around campus. If you are interested in contributing please email kala.adams@saultcollege.ca

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  • Home
  • About
    • FAQs SCSU
    • Policies & By-Laws
    • Board
    • Staff
  • Services
    • Odeno
    • Health Plan
    • Food Bank
    • Advocacy
    • Buy
    • Discounts
    • The SCSU Nook Blog
  • Events
  • Get Involved
    • Chapters & Clubs
    • Elections
    • Professional & Career Development
    • Job Postings
    • ISU
    • Volunteer
  • Contact
    • Partner with us
  • Student Support
  • International Women's Day